Cypriot parliament debates environmental activists' anti-poaching operations

On September 16, 2026, the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment in Cyprus held a contentious session to discuss the activities of specific environmental activist groups, particularly the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and BirdLife Cyprus. The debate, initiated by ELAM MPs Linos Papayiannis and Linos Ioannis Hadjigeorgiou, focused on allegations that these organizations breach the criminal code, trespass on private land, and obstruct legitimate hunters. CABS maintains that its operations are essential, noting they were responsible for 55 convictions and the rescue of over 1,200 birds in the previous autumn campaign alone.

Environmental organizations and 18 civil society groups criticized the move as an attempt to criminalize and intimidate activists, highlighting that the discussion excluded the primary NGOs involved in monitoring illegal hunting. Terra Cypria and other groups argued that their work serves the public interest and is essential for enforcing wildlife protection laws, noting that past complaints against CABS were found to be groundless. During the session, the head of the Game and Fauna Service, Pantelis Hatzigerou, warned that confrontations between activists and armed hunters create significant physical dangers. The Committee is expected to further evaluate whether these groups operate with official government approval as the political divide over their watchdog role continues.